City’s new zoning ordinance to go into effect

RIDGELAND — The City of Ridgeland’s stricter requirements for new payday lenders, pawnshops and other businesses takes effect in October.

Formal approval of the zoning changes by alderman came last week. The restrictions will take effect in 30 days.

The Clarion-Ledger reports that the new rules also affect tattoo parlors, title loan businesses, check-cashing establishments, cash-for-gold entities, nail salons and bail bondsmen.

The restrictions prevents such businesses from coming within 2,000 feet of each other. Those businesses cannot exceed 3,000 square feet of space, and they can’t combine into a single office to sidestep the new rules.

Ridgeland aldermen also extended the city’s moratorium on such establishments until Nov. 2, preventing any from moving to the area until after the new zoning rules go into effect.

The new rules don’t effect those already in business.

Ridgeland aldermen originally adopted a temporary ban on these establishments in Aug. 2009. That October, the moratorium was extended for nine months for aldermen to decide whether they wanted stricter or more permanent bans.

Other areas have adopted or are considering such zoning rules.

Clinton’s planning commission is considering an ordinance to mandate such businesses locate at a preapproved site.

Rankin County placed a temporary ban on “blighted businesses” in June. Officials say the ban is necessary to allow time to develop long-range plans for growth in the county.

Also this year, Flowood aldermen banned certain businesses from locating in the business district, while Madison and Pearl have ordinances on similar businesses.

Last October, Canton and Jackson officials voted in favor of moratoriums on similar businesses. Jackson’s temporary ban since has expired.